Craveworthy Blog

FSR: Jon Taffer’s Restaurant Concept Finds New Growth Lever

Written by Craveworthy Brands | Oct 10, 2025 9:10:41 PM

Craveworthy's tavern concept, Taffer's Tavern, was recently featured on FSR.

The concept entered a joint venture agreement with Craveworthy Brands. TV star Jon Taffer is partnering with Craveworthy Brands to expand his namesake restaurant concept Taffer’s Tavern.
 

The joint venture is geared toward “unlocking new growth opportunities and further elevating the brand experience nationwide,” according to a news release. Taffer’s Tavern hopes to scale via a national franchise model.

“Hospitality isn’t just a business—it’s personal,” Taffer said in a statement. “After more than 40 years and hundreds of concepts, I created Taffer’s Tavern to connect with people at a deeper level—through food, beverage, and environment. That’s why partnering with Craveworthy makes so much sense. We share a passion for great food and beverage, exceptional service, and building systems that truly work for operators.”

The chain’s first location opened in 2020 with a location in Alpharetta, Georgia. It also has a space in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. The website lists an Orlando location as “coming soon.”

Taffer’s Tavern prides itself as a traditional pub built for modern consumers. It features a “fast-craft” cocktail program with a curated liquor list comprising national favorites and regional distilleries. That’s in addition to its expansive beer and wine collection. Taffer engineered the business from the bottom up—prioritizing operations, staffing, and ROI before branding. His goal: deliver a $70–$80 experience for under $50. This smart design also makes the concept ideal for franchising, with simplified kitchen operations and lighter training requirements that empower owners to prioritize guest experience.

“With their support and creativity behind us, Taffer’s Tavern is positioned to grow faster, smarter, and with the kind of integrity that defines a world-class brand,” Taffer said. “My entire career has been built on empowering operators to deliver unforgettable experiences to their guests—and that’s exactly what this partnership is all about.” 

Craveworthy Brands is the parent company of 19 concepts, including Shaquille O’Neal-founded Big Chicken, Bd’s Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top Grill, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Genghis Grill, and Hot Chicken Takeover.